Save Africa ’ s Smallest Owl from Commercial Agriculture in Kenya
The vulnerable Dakatcha Woodland is one of the last remaining relics of the once vast coastal forests of East Africa . Since April 2021 , Rainforest Trust and our partners , A Rocha Kenya , Nature Kenya and World Land Trust , have been working to expand the protection here by 12,278 acres through designation and purchase . So far , 1,679 acres have been protected .
The woodlands are important for many species of endemic and threatened birds , including the Sokoke Scops Owl — the smallest owl on the African continent — the Clarke ’ s Weaver and the Sokoke Pipit . With the expansion of protection and monitoring of biodiversity , our partners reported an exciting new species sighting of the Miombo Blue-eared Starling , the first confirmed on record in many decades .
Save West Africa ’ s Last Intact Forests in Liberia
Work is underway in northern Liberia with our partner , Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia , to protect more than 406,000 acres and establish the Foya Nature Reserve . An important part of the project focuses on improving the economic stability of the local communities living on the forest edge to reduce their reliance on natural resources extraction . A microloan program is providing support to women farmers and small business owners . Microcredits empower women to be self-reliant and lessen their need to collect forest products — including fuelwood and bushmeat — for self-consumption or sale .
Liberia Landscape | SCNL
The Geometric Tortoise
With a radiating yellow-and-black pattern , the tiny , Critically Endangered Geometric Tortoise is one of the most beautiful turtles on Earth . This stunning reptile relies on the native shrubs and heathlands of South Africa ’ s Western Cape fynbos biome . With its Mediterranean climate , the land in the fynbos is highly sought after for agriculture , which fragments and destroys the reptiles ’ habitat .
Since 2015 , Rainforest Trust has been working with our partners , Southern Africa Tortoise Conservation Trust and Turtle Conservancy , to establish and expand the Geometric Tortoise Reserve , which is now 1,064 acres . A recent mark-and-recapture survey using specially trained dogs indicated a stable population of the Geometric Tortoise between 800- 1,400 individuals in the reserve . Invasive vegetation has been cleared to maintain the habitat and minimize the risk of fire .